U.S. Open storylines

She could become the first player since Steffi Graf in 1988 to win the calendar year Grand Slam, meaning the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and then U.S. Open. If she progresses through the tournament, the hype and media buzz is sure to grow, making this a rare year where more attention is placed on the women’s draw than the men’s.

ESPN is in its first year covering the full tournament. If Williams reaches the final, that surely is a pleasant gift for the World Wide Leader — and no doubt more heartache for previous finals broadcaster CBS, which wanted to keep the event and suffered through some lackluster women’s finals.

The U.S. Open doesn’t usually compete with America’s biggest sport until the second week of the event, when the Thursday NFL kickoff game competes against the men’s quarterfinals, and the Sunday week one NFL games run up against the men’s final. This year on the tournament’s first day, however, another Manhattan court hearing is scheduled in the Tom Brady Deflategate case, an occurrence sure to suck some media oxygen from the event.

The U.S. Open is already arguably the most profitable annual sporting event in the world. Can it reach $300 million in revenue this year? If it doesn’t, it almost surely will next year, when planned renovations will allow for more spectators.

The talented Australian drew intense scorn within tennis this month for trash talking an opponent about someone sleeping with that player’s girlfriend. How will the New York crowds react?

Bud Collins Photo by: GETTY IMAGES

On the middle weekend, the U.S. Open will officially name the media center after the iconic tennis writer and broadcaster.

Bowing to criticism from players, the U.S. Open is no longer contesting the first round over three days. Instead it will take place over two days, like at the other three Slams, meaning the tournament will end after 14 days, not 15, barring delays.